Formerly a top-rated mercenary command with roots in the original Star League Defense Force's 81st Mechanized Infantry Division, the Fourth Tau Ceti Rangers accepted permanent Capellan sponsorship and became the first unit in the Citizens' Honored Division. After a reorganization in the 3100s they are no longer using the designation “Fourth”, and are named simply Tau Ceti Lancers. The regiment long ago dropped the number four from their logo as well.[1]

In 2764 the Rangers were originally a frontline SLDF military Division known as the 81st Mechanized Infantry Division. Already nicknamed the 4th Tau Ceti Rangers, the 81st served as part of the Star League's LVIII Corps within the SLDF Seventh Army. LVIII Corps was assigned to District 3 of the Capellan Confederation Military Region until it was transferred to an undisclosed district within the Periphery by 2765 in response to the Periphery Uprising. The 81st fought with other SLDF forces to put down the Periphery Uprising; the Rangers suffered heavy losses during the campaign, and the SLDF chose to disband the 81st in 2766. While it is unknown as to what happened to the survivors of the Rangers in the interim, by 2784 they had opted enter service with the Capellan Confederation Armed Forces as mercenaries. The survivors of the 81st had chosen to become mercenaries to keep the Division's traditions alive instead of being absorbed or dissolving.[2][3]ChancellorBarbara Liao would purchase their services along with another formation of former SLDF troops turned mercenaries, the 15th Dracon.[4]

At shortly before General Aleksandr Kerensky would leave the Inner Sphere with most of the SLDF, newly minted mercenaries would take the unit's nickname and enter into the services of the Capellan Confederation. They would shortly after be flung into the thick of combat for the House Liao. Chancellor Barbara Liao would soon dispatch them along with the 15th Dracon to the guard the Marik border prior to the start of the First Succession War.[5]

They would be noted over the years for their actions in House Marik and Davion space up to the late twenty-ninth century.

They would take part of House Liao's attack on the world of Emerson beginning of the Second Succession War. The Rangers would lose half of its strength and lose considerable among of its BattleMechs. After the devastation; mercenaries would reorganize itself into a single BattleMech Battalion, under the command of Major Hamilton Branderberg. From that time on command would become a hereditary command, which would always have a member of the Branderbergs family as its commanding officer. They would eventually expand the unit to a two battalion strong force.

In the 2830s, the Rangers would be assigned as part of a Liao Task Force which would be assigned to defend the Tikonov Commonality against attacks by House Davion. During this action the Rangers would reap the award of capturing large quantify of Davion Marauders from actions with the Federation Suns. This class of BattleMech would appeal to commanding officer of the regiment, continue to acquire more of them as time would past.

When the Third Succession War opened, the mercenaries would be repositioned on the Liao-Marik border. There they would be used as a quick-reaction force, to stop potential Free Worlds League raiding forces attempting hit Liao worlds. One of their notable actions was in the defense of Les Halles in 2952.

In April 3029, the unit's 1st Battalion would finally link up with the 2nd battalion carry out their new mission from CCAF's High Command. The 2nd Battalion had had not seen any fighting until now, they were both deployed in Operation Intruders Communion as a distraction force during the landings on the Davion world of Bethel on the 9th of April.[11] The Rangers were sent to attack city of Oakland, which is the home of Bethel's industrial center and factory for assembling fusion rectors. The Ranger's rouse managed to split numbers the oversized Light 'Mech command nearly by three quarters. Though the unit as whole took heavy losses from the Davion Light Guards' reinforced Delta company, the Rangers had successfully distracted the defending forces to allow the Maskirovka agents to raid the NIAS research facilities on planet and withdraw safely. The Rangers would returned to Sian with the agents, whom rendered surgical aid to the injured Justin Xiang.[12]

Later that year, the 1st Battalion of the Rangers was assigned to defend Remshield, with Hurloc's Hussars, and the planet's militia. The Ranger's battalion was stationed outside of the city of Jewel Box, when the Davion Light Guard made its assault against the planet. The Rangers had detected that Davion Dropships had landed forces 20 kilometers outside of the defenses. The Battalion moved to engage the Guards there, when five DropShips containing BattleMechs landed in Jewel Box's spaceport well inside the defense perimeter. Rangers attempted to intercept the light BattleMechs from meeting up with its Armor and Infantry forces assets. The Rangers meet the Light Guards' Mechs on hilly area outside pair of irrigation spillways. Rangers' heavy BattleMechs initially fared well against the Davion's lighter designs. However, the mobility of the Guards overwhelmed them in time using the concrete spillways to outflank them. The Rangers, heavily damaged, were forced to withdraw from the planet.[13]

On September 7th, 3029, the 2nd Battalion was dispatched with the Death Commandos to raid the Davion world of Kathil. The unit's 2nd Battalion was assigned to attack the Median Power Company.[14] The Rangers faced elements of the newly formed 1st Kathil Uhlans's Alpha Battalion. In a desperate battle the unit was ultimately defeated by the Uhlans. The unit's own DropShips surrendered as well and in exchanged for their repatriation to Tikonov they gave service to Morgan Hasek-Davion in his raid on Sian. The 1st Kathil Uhlans posed as the 2nd Battalion of the Rangers. The Chancellor and his heirs with large fanfare greeted the returning "Rangers" as heroes only to be attacked by Morgan Hasek-Davion and his forces instead.[15][16]

The command remained in the employ of the Confederation after the massive invasion had cut it half. In 3042, the last of the Branderberg family who had been hereditary commanders of the unit since the Second Succession War had died. Command would be transferred to the Jax family, starting with Shelly Jax. The Colonel Jax was viewed as a fine strategist and tactician with considerable amount of skill with dealing with politicians. The Rangers over course of decades after the Fourth Succession War, rebuilt Second Battalion of BattleMechs only activating it in 3057. The Rangers slow building, was part the Ranger's effort to make newly restored battalion would be staffed and trained with veteran MechWarriors. Since its conception as a mercenary company, the Rangers had maintained their technicians had maintained their skills in maintaining Star League level technology.

In Operation Guerrero in 3057, the unit was stationed on Sian when it received orders to join the invasion of the FedCom'sSarna March. First on its invasion course, the Rangers struck Campertown where they hit the 12th Vegan Rangers' Alpha Regiment. After the Rangers were able to push the elite mercenaries off planet, they then moved on to Raballa and Lesalles help eliminate remaining resistance on those worlds. During their actions, in the conflict, they would capture a Emperor class Assault 'Mech, presenting it to ChancellorSun-Tzu Liao as a token of their appreciation for allowing them see combat once more.

During the reign of Chancellor Romano Liao, the Rangers managed to bargain with House Liao leadership to be allotted large quantity of Star League tech upgrades kits for the unit for Ranger's expertise on the technology. Not commonly known, was the fact the unit employed a few Star League era designs which had survived in service but without their advanced technology. These 'Mechs, a Flashman, and a pair of Crocketts, were restored to their original specifications using the Star League refit kits.

By 3059, Colonel Shelly Jax would work closely with Strategic Military DirectorTalon Zahn with rumors of a romantic relationship.[17] After the Xin Sheng movement began to revive the Confederation, the Chancellor would invite the Rangers into Confederation's service as a frontline combat unit, ending its mercenary career. The unit's ranking structure would change to the newly adopted Chinese ranks, however the unit's independence & traditions that the unit has long protected would be retained.

After becoming a frontline House unit and assigned to the Citizens' Honored brigade, the Rangers would grown to become a fulfilled regiment with additional support ground vehicles. Unlike in the past, the unit would take in new recruits from the Liao Conservatory of Military Arts to allow them to field their new battalion. Sang-shao Shelly Jax's son, Daniel Jax would be promoted up to the unit's executive officer position. He was raised and trained by his mother's mercenaries career in a wide range of combat styles.[18]

The Regiment was not utilized during the 3061-63 Capellan-St. Ives War, which regained the St. Ives Compact as part of the Confederation. However, in 3066 the Free Worlds League began a series of raids and skirmishes along the Confederation's border. The Rangers would deploy from base on Krin to cover wide host of worlds on near Sian. A strategy conceived by Mikhail Zul Lee, had the Rangers travel quickly to Pella II, Frondas, Palladaine, and Sigma Mare, and back again. The Strategy would fool League intelligence to believing the Regiment was garrisoning three or more worlds at the same time. Their actions would be rewarded by the Chancellor, giving Sang-shao Jax a C3 Master equipped Yu Huang Assault 'Mech with gold trim, showing his favor towards her.[19]

In early years of the Jihad, the unit first test of the conflict would be when it was assigned to one of counter-attack task forces during Operation: Thunderstrike. The Rangers were used to drop on top of the Federated Freemen and destroy the House Davion Mercenaries on Glasgow in August 3068.[20][21] After the ceasefire in April 3070, Rangers remained on the border of the Capellan March to counter any further adventurism by FedSun forces. The Rangers would perform number objective raids against the Capellan March to keep their opponents off-balance. The unit would take majority of 3076 to refit and rest until it would be ready to deploy again. From late 3077 into early 3078, the Rangers would join 4th McCarron's Armored Cavalry as part of Confederation efforts to gain control of Word of Blake Protectorate world of Hsien. As the Rangers and Cavalry fought the planet's Hisen Protectorate Militia Division[22] where while Cavalry engaged the Division, the Rangers were able flank the Blakist Militia catch them from complete surprise. However, the battle for the planet would be complicated by the discovery of the elements of Aly Roussets-Marik's Resistance and her Stone's Coalition Task Force. The battle for the planet would devolve into a three way battle between Rangers, the Blakists, and the Resistances forces including the 12th Atrean Dragoons.[23][24] The coalition leaders managed to convince Capellan Task Force work with Group II defeat the Protectorate Militia and Hsien's Hotheads. However, when the Militia surrenders, the Rangers and Cavalry would continue their attack only to be forced fight Coalition forces trying protect the surrendered Blakist.[25] During this combat, the Fourth used a lance of experimentalPo (HV) heavy tanks. Feedback from this action led to the production version of the Po (HV).[26]

Despite being pushed out or the area by coalition forces, Rangers and the 4th MAC would remain on planet in a uneasy peace with Stone's allies garrisoning the planet.[27]

As part of Operation GOLDEN FORTRESS the Fourth Tau Ceti Rangers attacked Bharat, nearly destroying the First Republic Auxiliaries. The Republic unit then faced the Rangers again on Wei, forcing the Capellan unit off-world. This encounter, however, only led to a Republic victory because the Auxiliaries outnumbered the Rangers three to one. The Fourth Tau Ceti Rangers then used their mobility to attack the Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Republic Auxiliaries; The Rangers inflicted so much damage on these units that they had to be withdrawn as unfit for combat. The Fourth Tau Ceti Rangers faced the II Hastati Sentinels and lost, but as the Rangers withdrew they seized several tons of supplies from the Hastati supply depot. To honor the 15th Dracon unit (lost in the Jihad) the Fourth Rangers have adopted the fallen unit's tradition of donating captured materials and wealth to local civilian communities. Several water purification systems taken from the Hastati Sentinels supply depot were given to small communities on Shiba[28], the Ranger's new garrison post.[29]

After this fighting ended, the CCAF underwent a reorganization. Several units were affected, including the Fourth Tau Ceti Rangers. They were reduced to a battalion sized formation, and all Heavy and Assault BattleMechs were assigned to other units. The unit instead received more Medium BattleMechs and combat vehicles to fill their roster. They were also renamed the Tau Ceti Lancers. They were intended to act as a fast strike unit. In the early 3100s they raided up and down the Capellan/Republic border to test their new tactics. In 3108 they hit the Palos system and inflicted heavy losses on the V Triarii Protectors. This raid cost the Protectors almost a battalion of troops. During the Capellan Crusades which began in 3111 the Lancers raided several worlds in advance of other, heavier CCAF units, throwing the defenders off-balance.

When the Capellan Crusades ended two years later, the Lancers served as the model and training unit for another new command, the Canopian Lancers. The two units trained together for five years. The two Lancer units were later used when the Confederation invaded the Republic, where they took the Plieone, Yunnah, and Second Try systems for the Confederation.[30]

Near end of its mercenary service years, the 4th Tau Ceti Rangers would use their Command Lance to as a fire brigade to shore up weaknesses in the unit's battle lines. The Rangers would employ a Vanguard Lance of 'Mechs which would provide cover for Command Lance. The Vanguard MechWarriors would use their considerable training to use terrain for cover while trying drawing enemy fire away from the Command Lance. If the Command Company is forced to withdraw, the anger's Assault Lance would provide cover fire to aide in Command's treat. Two battalions of the Rangers are trained in independent and coordinated actions. The Rangers were trained to be able to move and breakdown to company size forces for independent action. While then second Battalion is more flexible on field, the first Battalion is usually thrown off when its battle plans are disrupted. The 1st Battalion is trained to be experts in operating in open-terrain fields.[36][37]

Unit Note: The Regiment's two Battalions would be list as being stationed on Tikonov and Sian respectively. They were listed in having Regular Skills and having moral rating 73 and 72 (out of 100).[39]

Support Note: As of 3059, the 4th Tau Rangers support assets included; a Star Lord Class JumpShip, three Overlord Class 'Mech Carrier DropShips, and a single Fortress Class Combined Arms Military Transport DropShip. The Rangers had B Rated Equipment were all considered to be all Veterans units.[42]

Heavy Cavalry Note: The Heavy Cavalry is equipped with Hovercraft, including such designs as the Pegasus and Regulator. They are teamed with the 3rd Battalion's Light BattleMech assets while they operate in combat.[43]

Unit Note: The entire Command would be listed Veterans and given a Fanatical loyalty rating. The Rangers as of 3063, have been listed with A Rated Equipment.[44]

Unit Notes: All components of the Rangers with exception of Heavy Cavalry would rate as Veterans (Cavalry are Regular skilled.). The entire unit would be listed with a Fanatical loyal rating. The Rangers' 'Mech regiment equipment listed with A rating and is number to be at 95% fighting strength. The Regiment technology levels are noted to being with 46% Star League technology rating, and 12% still using Succession technology equipment. The Ranger's Aerospace Wing would rated with 88% strength and 42% Star League Tech. The Heavy Cavalry's fighting strength is listed at 96% and with 22% Star League tech level.[45]

Unit Note: The Field Report: CCAF only shows the 'Mech strength only. Does not include the other supporting forces attached to the regiment. The Rangers at the time are stationed on the former Blakist world of Hsien as of 3079. The unit still be considered Veterans and Fanatically loyal to the Confederation. It would be at 60% strength since the fighting.

The fighting with The Republic of the Sphere seriously weakened the Fourth Tau Ceti Rangers. The 'Mech regiment was only at a quarter of its nominal strength, while the air wing was at a third of its strength. Even the Heavy Cavalry company found itself reduced by a third.[29]

Sister Unit: Originally, it seems there was at least one other Tau Ceti Rangers regiment in the CCAF, the 1st Tau Ceti Rangers. That unit was dissolved in 3007. Many of its former soldiers went on to form the Waco RangersMercenary company. [46] It is unclear whether there were ever any other Tau Ceti Rangers regiments.

Gaps in Command: Between 3050 and 3054, the Rangers would be commanded briefly by a Colonel Jacoby Jax, former 2nd Battalion's commander in 3025. In later publications in Objective Raids, and Field Manual Mercenaries, Shelly would be noted Ranger's commanding officer. Field Manual would note she took command in 3042, it unclear this was errant made by that writer or errant made in 20 Year Update.

In the original Field Manual: Mercenaries, the 4th Tau Ceti Rangers were given number of special abilities for players looking to use optional scenario rules. The following are the Force Specific Rules that Rangers have been given. Please note some these rules apply to specific aspects of the Rangers.

(Entire Force): +1 Initiative - When the Rangers are operating at Company (12 units) Strength or more, they have this initiative bonus. However, should the designated Command 'Mech be remove from play, they lose the initiative bonus.

(1st Battalion): While operating on flat terrain, opposing units can not fire point blank against this battalion. Also, while operating flat terrain, they may ignore +1 penalty when any unit of the Battalion is targeting multiple enemy forces. While operating on Badlands, Mountains, and woods, any point blank shots hitting a 1st Battalion 'Mech will cause the entire Battalion to be confused. This will cause a -1 imitative penalty for the following turn. They will also for this turn will be unable to move faster than their 'Mechs' walk speed and receive a +1 penalty to any to-hit attacks. During this state of confusion, the opposing forces will be unable to do point-blank shot against 'Mechs of the 1st Battalion.

(2nd Battalion): The following benefits and penalties apply when a 2nd Battalion is fielded in a scenario. The 2nd Battalion's presence nullifies an opposing force's initiative bonus after first turn of play. The controlling player of the 2nd Battalion may choose a single 'Mech of their force to target and fire at end of the movement turn's phase provided they have not used any MP of this 'Mech. Damage is applied immediately after firing this 'Mech.

(Hard Air): The Aerospace Wing of the Tau Ceti Rangers automatically wins the initiative of turn Aerospace Combat. Following turns the Wing receives a +1 to its Initiatives rolls. Aerospace fighters receive a -1 to-hit modifier to all its weapons when engaging a particular unit for the first time in the scenario.[47]

The Ranger's abilities and special scenario rules have been altered following the unit joining Capellan Confederation as a house unit.

(Entire Force) - When being used in a force of a company (12) units or more, they are given an initiative bonus of +1.

(Force Generation) - The Controlling player putting together their 4th Tau Ceti force may be given option to roll half their force from the ComStar Rolling Assignment Tables. The player must roll-randomly to determine the weight class they are rolling for. Once determined, the player may roll from the following sourcebook/rulebooks; (Battletech Rules Revised's Rolling Table for Inner Sphere 2, or from Field Manual: ComStar's Rolling Assignment Table).[48]

↑Warrior: Riposte, p. 298: The Chancellor refutes Michael Hasek-Davion's claim that Justin was lying and working for Hanse Davion. The 4th Tau Ceti Rangers' successful actions prove this, however, since it was his orders to the Rangers.

↑Warrior: Coupé, p. 86: A counter-intelligence division agent informs Captain Andrew Redburn that 4th Tau Ceti Rangers lost heavy 'Mechs to the main body of his Delta company of the Davion Light Guards.